It’s not just people that get diabetes. Dogs, cats, hamsters, and even guinea pigs can also get diabetes. Fortunately, this is a condition that can be managed with help from our veterinarian. Unleashed Pet Care in Westland, MI, takes a closer look at pet diabetes.
Diabetes in Dogs
The symptoms of pet diabetes in dogs are:
- Drinking far more often than usual
- Urinating far more often than usual
- Increase in appetite
- Dry coat
- Being more tired than usual
- Weight loss, despite the increase in appetite
- Vomiting
A diabetic dog’s pancreas is unable to make insulin, so the dog will need to get insulin shots for the rest of his life. There shots are easy to give. Diabetic dogs also need to have their diets changed so their blood sugar levels stay stable. Remission of diabetes is very rare in dogs. Some dog breeds are prone to diabetes. They include:
- Australian terrier
- Bichon Frise
- Beagle
- Cairn terrier
- Cocker spaniel
- Fox terrier
- German shepherd
- Keeshond
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Pug
- Samoyed
Diabetes in Cats
The symptoms of diabetes in cats are the same as diabetes in dogs. They also need insulin shots and dietary changes. Unlike dogs, though, there is a good chance that a cat’s diabetes can go into remission. This is because cats get diabetes similar to Type 2 diabetes in people. Dog diabetes is more like Type 1.
Diabetes in Hamsters
Diabetes appears more in dwarf hamsters than in the larger Syrian or golden hamsters. The symptoms include:
- Drinking more than usual
- Urinating more than usual
- Stumbling while walking, as if drunk
- Shivering or shaking
- Behavior changes
- Coma
Hamsters receive insulin injections, so the only way to control their blood sugar levels is through diet, which should include fresh vegetables and a source of high protein, such as plain white meat chicken.
Diabetes in Guinea Pigs
Diabetes is rare in guinea pigs. Unlike in other species, diabetes in guinea pigs can be caused not just by a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates, but by viral infections or even a genetic condition that causes manganese deficiency. Symptoms of diabetes in guinea pigs are:
- Drinking far more than normal
- Urinating far more than normal, which leads to a constantly wet bottom
- Poor fur quality
- Diarrhea
- Cataracts, which can be seen as a dramatic color change in the eyes
Diabetic guinea pigs can be treated with changes in the diet and not with insulin injections. Sometimes, a diabetic guinea pig will go into remission.
Is Your Pet Thirsty all of the Time?
Your pet could have diabetes and need a pet exam. If you live in the Westland, MI, area, contact Unleashed Pet Care at (734) 469-2800to make an appointment today.